Chesterfield residents 'return the love' to singing Big Issue man Rafael

Rafael Marin is a well-known and popular figure in the town centre who regularly serenades shoppers and passers-by as he tries to earn a living to support his family.

Twenty-six-year-old Rafael told us he had ‘nothing but love’ for the people who have helped him since he arrived in the UK from Romania unable to speak English.

MORE: Chesterfield's singing Big Issue seller 'has nothing but love' for adopted town

And since the story was published, Chesterfield people have taken to social media to return the love to Rafael.

Linda Jones posted on our Facebook page: “He’s a lovely person, always ready with a smile or a song. He works incredibly hard. Well done Raf.”

Kieran Andrew Cobley said: “The dude is an absolute legend, never fails to put a smile on people’s faces.”

Others said Rafael would be a great addition to any Chesterfield business looking to take someone on.

Penny Hartshorn posted: “He's a lovely bloke. Dedicated to his job. Someone who has a business in Chesterfield must be able to give this man a job. Can't belive he’s still living in a hostel after all this time.”

Margaret Millar added: “He is really nice all the time. I can't understand why he hasn't got a permanent job after all this time.”

Peter Wilson described Rafael as a ‘top guy’ and Nicola Kohler said he ‘always makes her giggle’.